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THE MINNESOTA 

Historical Society. 



St. Pail, Minn.. Jan. zS. 1871. 

We take this method of informing ovir iriends and correspondents of 
the designs, present condition and wants of the Minnesota Historical 
Society : 

Origin and Organization. — The Society was organized in 1S49, 
and incorporated by an act of the tirst Territorial Legislature, approved 
Oct. 20,1849, thus being the first literary institution organized in the Territory ; 
and its " Library," then only a few volumes, was the first ever established in 
Minnesota. The Society was instituted by a few gentlemen, who were 
among the pioneers of the Territory, and had its origin in the conviction 
felt by them, " that the unexampled growth and development of the 
Northwestern States, made an unusually strong demand upon the present 
generation, for the adoption of measures that would insure a faithful record 
of their primitive condition, and of the marvelous transformations they have 
undergone since their first settlement. The few interesting traces to be 
found of the pre-historic race or races that once inhabited this continent, 
were fast disappearing. The Indian tribes, our immediate predecessors in 
the occupancy of the country, were also passing away, and with them the 
traces left by their ancestors, and all traditions of the more recent events in 
their own unwTitten history. The imperfect records of the deeds performed, 
pr'vations endured, and conquests made by the heroic men who were the 
pioneers of the present civilization, were being lost. And even the yet more 
wonderful achievements of the men of to-day, whose subjection of vast 
areas of wild lands, immense forests of timber, and inexhaustible mineral 
resources to the uses of civilized life; whose construction of public works 
and opening of continental highways, and whose building of villages and 
cities, with countless institutions of everv kind, have been without a parallel 
in the history of the world — these would all be lost imless an institution 
were formed, whose chief end it should be lo collect and record or publish 
the same." 

Objects, — The objects of the Society, therefore, as set forth above, and 
expressed in its constitution and charter are: to discover, procure and 
preserve everything that relates to the History, Antiquities, and Statistics of 
Minnesota, the Northwest, and generally of America; to rescue from 
oblivion the memory of its early pioneers, and to obtain and preserve 
narratives of their exploits, perils, and hardy adventures: to preserve 
memorials of its Indian tribes, their customs, religion and history; and to 
publish, from time to time, the result of their efibrt< in collecting historical 
information concerning Minnesota. 



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Its Progress, — In the earlj days of the Territor}-, owing to its want 
of means, the sparse population and their poverty, and the infancy of the 
commonwealth generally, it accomplished but little beyond collecting some 
information regarding the early history of this region and printing the same 
in several pamphlet volumes. In 1864, it had only 840 voKunes in its Library. 
It was then reorganized, and with the aid of a small annual appropriation 
from the State, since enlarged, has been able to make very gratifying progress. 

Its Present Condition, — It now has comfortable apartments in 
the State Capitol, an income of about $2,000 per annum, granted partly by 
the State and partly the gift of members, a Library of over 4,000 volumes 
and 7,300 pamphlets, with a fine Cabinet or Museum, and a few historical 
portraits and pictures, etc., a small Endowment P'und raised by Life 
Membership, and two lots, eligibly situated, on which we design, at no 
distant day, to erect a fire-proof building. 

The Library. — Now contains over 11,000 separate publications, and 
is rapidlv increasing. The works are all useful and appropriate in such a 
collection, most of them being choice, rare and valuable. On Minnesota 
history it contains every known work bearing directly or indirectly on that 
subject, the only complete collection of that kind in existence. [See 
"■ Bihliografhy of Minnesota,'' Vol. 3, Part i, of our published Collections.] 
On the history of the Northwest, and West generally, it contains several 
hundred choice works, many of them veiyrare and difficult of procurement, 
laboriously collected by years of search. On general American history its 
collection directly embraces some 1,000 volumes, (though probably 90 per 
cent, of our whole Library relates to America.) In Genealogy and 
Biographv, in Statistical and Geographical Works, Publications of Societies 
and Book Clubs, works relating to our Indian Tribes, Bibliography, 
Periodicals, Early Travels and Voyages in America, and in General 
Literature, it has good departments. A valuable set of the publications of the 
British Record Commission, or Rolls Office, 220 volumes, was received last 
year, and of the archival works. State papers and documents, and other 
publications of our own Government, we have all issued from 1S49, to and 
including the present Congress. Of 

Minnesota Newspapers — We have an almost complete set from 
the first paper ever printed in the Territory to the present date, numbering 
200 bound and 300 unbound files. This col'ection is unrivalled in its 
completeness, and must always be, while we now receive and preserve 
every Journal published in the State. We have also nearly 300 Maps, 
containing nearly every one relating to the State and West generally; a 
large collection of MSS, many of which we hope to print. Engravings, 
Portraits, &c. Our Library is in charge of an experienced and careful 
Librarian, is open daily, and accessible for purposes of study and 
investigation to any citizen, the books, however, not being removed from 
the room , 

Cabinet. — Our Cabinet contains a number of historical curiosities, 
relics of the various wars of the country, a number of Coins, specimens of 
ancient Paper Money, etc. The most valuable part of it, however, is an 
Ethnological and Archaeological Museum, embracing a collection of 
Weapons, Costumes and Curosities, illustrative of the Religion, Habits and 
Customs of the Indian Tribes of this State, and comprises a number c^ 

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unique relics: also, a number of stone axes, spears, arrow-heads, pieces of 
pottery, etc., remains of the aboriginal '* mound-builders," or pre-historic 
races. This collection is becoming large and valuable. 

JPiibli cat ions.— The Society has collected many valuable and 
interesting facts relating to the history of the State, and issued the same in 
two volumes, and a portion of the third. These volumes can be had by 
purchase, or in exchange for works of an equivalent value. The issue of a 
"part" (about i sO pages) will probably be continued annually hereafter. 

Exchdiifjes. — We solicit from other Societies, and from all bodies or 
institutions which issue reports or works, an exchange of publications. In 
addition to our own publications, and a number of copies of our State 
documents which are granted to us for exchanges, we have a collection of 
other works of value relating to the State, while almost any of the works 
mentioned in our Bibliography of Minnesota (except the oldest and rarest), 
can be sent in exchange to those wishing them. 

Endou'tnent Fund, — We are making an eftbrt to establish, by the 
sale of Life Memberships, at $25 each, a Permanent Ftind^ the interest only 
of which shall be used for the increase of the Library by purchase and 
binding. A small sum has been secured already. Gifts and bequests of 
money for its increase are solicited. 

JPresent Itesources, — The average income of the Society for three 
years past, has been about $1,500 per annum. It is easy to see that after 
paying our Secretary and Librarian, whose entire time is occupied by his 
duties, and the necessary expenses of postage, freight, printing, stationery 
and other incidental outlays, but little or nothing is left for the purchase or 
binding of books. Our membership is small, and the community (as is the 
case in all new States) not wealthy, so that after taxing all our *' home 
resources," we are still without the means we should have for the proper 
increase of our Library, or the carrying out of our other objects. 

We are therefore prompted to appeal for aid to the citizens of our State ^ 
-Mho should feel a pf ide in the success of an institution manifcslly so useful 
and creditable to them — as -well as to the generous patrons of public libraries and 
other public institutions, and to the friends of learning- and historical research 
every-vhere, for contributions to our Library, or such other aid as they ?nay 
prefer to extend. 

JJouatioHS Especially IJesi red, —Books and Pamphlets on 
American History, Biography and Genealogy, particularly those relating to 
the West; Works on our Indian Tribes, and American Archeology and 
Ethnology; Statistical and Scientific Publications of States or Societies; 
Books or Pamphlets relating to the Great Rebellion; privately printed 
works; Newspapers; Maps and Charts; Engravings; Autographs; Coins; 
Antiquities; and Encyclopedias, Dictionaries and Bibliographical works of 
every kind. Entire sets of works are especially solicited, or collections of 
books on any subject, but single \olumes, or pamphlets even, will be 
gratefully received. 

WorJi's delating to Minnesota. — Especially do we desire 
everything relating to our own State: 
1. Travels and Explorations; City Directories; Copies? of the earlier Laws and Journals 

of our Lcgislalure; Ordinances of Cities; and, in short, every book, on any subject, 

printed in ihe Slate, or elsewhere, relatiuii to it. 




2. Pamphlets of all kinds; Catalogues of Minnesoia 

Learning; Annual Reports of Socierles; Sermons 016 090 070 2 

State; Minutes of Church Conventions, Synods, or oiner r.i;i;iL?i 
Minnesota; Political Adc^esses; Railroad and Board of Trade Reports: and every 
other Pamphlet relating to this State. 

3. Files of Minnesota Newspaper? and Magazines, especially complete volumes of past 

years, or single numbers even. Publishers are earnestly requested to contribute 
their publications regularly, all of which will be carefully preserved and bound. 

4. Materials for Minnesota History: Old Letters, Journals, and Manuscript Narratives 

of the Pioneers of Minnesota; Original Papers on the Early History and Settlement 
of the Territory; Adventures and Conflicts durini^ the Indian War or the late 
Rebellion: Biographies of the Pioneers of every County, either living or deceased, 
together with their portraits and autographs; a sketch of the settlement of every 
town and village in the State, with names of the first settlers. We solicit articles on 
every subject connected with Minnesota history. 

5. Maps of Town Sites or Counties, of any date: Views and Engravings of buildings 

or historic places; Drawings or Photographs of Scenery; Paintings; Portraits, Ac. 
connected with Minnesota history. 

6. Curiosities of all kinds for our Museum; Coins; Medals; Paintings; Portraits ; 

Engravings; Statues: War Relics; Autograph Letters of distinguished persons, e!c . 

7. Facts illustrative of our Indian Tribes; their History. Characteristics. Religion, &c.; 

Sketches of their prominent Chiefs.Orators, and Warriors, together with contributions 

of Indian Weapons, Costumes. Ornaments, Curiositie.^ and Implements. Also. 

Stone Axes, Spears, Arrow-Heads, Pottery, or other relics of the pre-historic races. 

In brief, everythinir that, bv the most liberal construction, can iUustrate 

the History of Minnesota: its early settlement; its progress or present 

condition, which will be of value or interest to succeeding generations. 

The Value of Timely Aid.— The Society is now firmly establij-hed. 
and in a condition where a little aid will produce gratifying results, and 
insure the most enlai-ged future success and usefulness of the Society for 
all time. Our Library is at present the tnost valuable in the State, and will 
soon be the largest. All works presented to it will be avcH cared tor, and 
remain forever for the use of the public of the State. 

We hope then that a generous and prompt response will be made by 
ihose receiving this circular. Communication^ or Donations may be 
addressed "Hislorical Society, St. Paul, Minn." All persons sending us 
gifts will be placed on our exchange list and receive the publications of the 
Society in return. 

JI^"Packages for this Society, too large to send by mail, may be left 
with the following persons, who will forward theirt to us without expense to 
the donors. Such packages should be carefully wrapped and directed to us, 
and it will be well also to send by mail a list of the saine, so that they can 
be properly credited. 

DEPOSITARIES. 

New York. J. W. Prince, 319 Broailway. 

Boston, Dr. Samuel A. Green, Mass. Mist. Socieix's Rooms. 

Cincinnati, Robert Clarke cV Co., 65 W. Fourtli St. 

Albany, Joel Munsell, 82 State St. 

Chicago, E. M. 1 laines. 80 La Salle St. 

London, C D. Cazenove. 15 Beaufort Huildings. Strand. 



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LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 

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